Barkshire Dog Training

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Barkshire Dog Training

Empowering you and your dog with personalised, positive training tailored to your challenges. Specialising in life skills and Predation Substitute Training.

Here to help you build a harmonious, lifelong bond with your dog through fun, effective solutions. Barkshire Dog Training helps dogs and their humans to understand each other better, building strong bonds working together to enjoy their relationship more. We treat each dog as an individual and offer personalised solutions for your challenges. We use force-free methods that are proven to work and w

e are qualified by the Institute of Modern Dog Training (IMDT), so you can trust our experience and knowledge. We can help you with any dog training problem, whether you have a new dog or an old friend who needs some guidance. We also have a special interest in helping owners of rescue dogs. We provide one-to-one support, training walks, and fun group classes in Caversham, Reading. You can also access our services online, or in Berkshire, North Hampshire and South Oxfordshire areas.

12/07/2025

🛍️ It’s National Pet Shop Day Today!

I’ve always said that pet shops are more than just shops —they are a community of information, support and connection.

Whether it’s finding the right harness, a chew that actually helps your dog settle, or someone who asks the right questions when you're feeling unsure… local pet shops make all the difference.

This week on the blog, I’m shining a light on two brilliant independents I love — The Pet Barn in Sonning Common and Henley Pet Shop, Henley — and sharing why I send my clients there again and again.

👉 Read the blog here: https://www.barkshiredogtraining.com/post/across-berkshire-henley-to-sonning-local-pet-shops-that-deserve-a-visit-where-i-shop-for-dogs-a

Tag your favourite local pet shop and help spread the love 🧡

08/07/2025

🎉 I’m officially an winner! 🎉

I’m absolutely over the moon to be chosen by as one of this week’s small business winners! It’s such an honour to have Barkshire Dog Training recognised — and to be celebrated alongside so many inspiring businesses I admire and collaborate with.

This recognition means the world. Barkshire Dog Training was founded on a passion for helping dogs and their humans build stronger bonds through positive, force-free methods. My goal with every client is to make training enjoyable, effective, and rooted in understanding.

To now be part of a network that champions support, growth, and genuine connection is just incredible — and I’m so proud to fly the flag for our amazing industry.

Thank you to Theo and the SBS team for this opportunity — I can’t wait to see what’s next!

06/07/2025

Today Sunday, 6th July, I’ll be at the Edition Dog Show in Coventry — and I couldn’t be more excited to spend the day surrounded by inspiring people and passionate dog lovers 🐾

Before I became a qualified dog trainer, I was lucky enough to meet some truly fantastic role models in this industry—people I’m still connected to today. Their mentorship, warmth, and wisdom helped shape the trainer I’ve become.

Every client and every dog is beautifully unique, and that reminds me constantly that learning never stops. My curiosity drives me to keep growing, but I also know the importance of having a trusted circle of kind, ethical peers who I can lean on for support and guidance. That’s how I want to show up for the people (and dogs) I work with.

I'll be standing alongside the brilliant Clare from Insight Hounds, who was invited to host a stand at the show to represent the sighthound community. What a privilege it is to support her on the day and celebrate her well-earned recognition. She’ll be sharing her knowledge with fellow sighthound owners, and I’ll be her proudest cheerleader 🧡

The show itself is packed with highlights—*Meet the Breeds*, agility and other demos, interactive zones, stalls from leading dog care and training professionals… and plenty of chances to connect.

Some other familiar faces that I hope to connect with are: Sarah from Niki from , and Helen from as well as make some new connections.

This isn’t just an event—it’s a celebration of everything "Dogs" Are you going - come say hello if you are or look out for the stories and shout outs throughout the day

03/07/2025

🧡 Frazzled to Calmness – Kerry & Mabel’s Journey
Kerry reached out when Mabel was just 9 weeks old. The first few days hadn’t gone as expected. As I listened to what had been happening, it was clear those early moments of puppy life had hit hard—exhaustion, sleepless nights, and the constant worry of doing it all wrong.

Mabel, full of youthful energy seemed to need watching every second. She was nipping at Kerry’s ankles (“those teeth really hurt!”) and never seemed to settle. The idea of enjoying life with a calm, happy dog felt very far away.

Feeling Drained and Unsure
Kerry had reached out because getting a new puppy can feel overwhelming—especially when it’s your first. She’d reached what many puppy guardians recognise as breaking point—scrolling the internet late at night, searching for answers that never quite fit.
Booking a call with me wasn’t just about training; it was about being seen, heard, and supported. My role wasn’t just to help Mabel—it was to reassure Kerry that she wasn’t alone, and that it’s completely okay to feel overwhelmed in those early weeks.

First Steps Towards Calm
We began with the simplest of steps to help both Kerry and Mabel find their feet. First, we built Kerry’s confidence in using the crate—hello, sleep!—and introduced fun, low-pressure foundation games to help mentally tire Mabel in a positive way. We also worked on helping Mabel feel safe and relaxed around her harness, which she had initially run away from, and set up daily routines that fit around Kerry’s work schedule. Alongside this, we added gentle enrichment activities and cues that helped build connection and trust. The early goals were simple but powerful: to help Mabel settle, reduce her overexcitement, and support her in learning to walk calmly on the lead & reliable recall.

Today…
Mabel has grown into the puppy of Kerry’s dreams—a happy, relaxed part of the family. Kerry now has the tools to support her in ways that feel empowering, not exhausting. They’ve gone from desperation to joy—and it all began with knowing that you don’t have to do this alone.

From Kerry:
“Getting our first puppy this year was very exciting but also very daunting. There’s so much to learn, and Sarah supported us throughout with her bountiful advice and knowledge, training sessions, and always being available when needed.

Before we started, I honestly didn’t know how I was going to navigate having such a lively and demanding puppy! Sarah’s guidance has been fundamental—not just for Mabel, but for me. From building routines, understanding behaviours, learning cues and enrichment, to walks and the outdoor world—it’s been invaluable.

I had forgotten what it was like to take a shower without a puppy waiting outside the door!
Mabel is now a well-adapted, amazing part of our family. I cannot imagine life without her.”

Sounds Familiar
Feeling like those puppy days aren’t what you expected? You’re not alone. Mabel’s journey is proof that support, structure, and kindness can change everything. Send me a message if you would like my support.

28/06/2025

Bowling – Recall Meets Play in the Most Joyful Way! 🎳🐕

We’re into Day 5 of our Week of Fun, and today we’re bringing the energy with a game that combines recall with full-throttle fun – it’s time for Bowling!

Inspired by Simone Mueller’s Bowling Cue, this game taps into your dog’s natural chase instincts while building a fast, enthusiastic recall — all through joyful connection.

🎳 How it works:
You’re the pins. Your dog is the ball. But instead of crashing into you, they’re zooming towards you for a brilliant reward — a treat, toy, or favourite game!
How to play:
1. Let your dog move a short distance away.
2. Call them using your happy, upbeat recall cue.
3. As they come, start moving your hand in a lasso and then throw the treat using the cue "bowling".
4. When they “strike” (aka reach treat), celebrate and reward with joy! 🎉
✨ Or try this twist:
Toss a toy or treat away from your dog to trigger the chase — then call them back for a second reward. It’s a brilliant way to engage their predatory motor pattern in a safe, structured way.

💚 Why it’s fabulous:
• 🐾 Satisfies your dog’s natural chase drive in a safe way
• 💥 Makes YOU the most exciting thing around
• 🚀 Builds a fast, joyful recall
• 🎲 Turns recall training into a game you both love

Wherever you play — field, woods, or garden — Bowling is guaranteed to bring giggles, tail wags, and that magic recall you're working towards.

27/06/2025

Welcome to Day 4 of our Week of Fun, and today’s activity is all about building balance, body awareness and a splash of confidence – it’s time for Paws Up!

This joyful exercise involves asking your dog to place their front paws on a raised surface – a tree stump, park bench, log, or even a step at home. It might look simple, but it’s packed with benefits!

💪 Why I love it:
• 🛑 Helps your dog learn to pause and stay in one spot with focus and control.
• 🧠 Boosts body awareness and coordination – especially helpful for young dogs or those working on their confidence.
• 💚 Builds trust and connection, as your dog learns to try something new with you guiding them gently.

How to do it:
1. Choose a stable, safe surface that’s about knee height or lower (depending on the size of your dog!).
2. Use a treat to lure your dog’s nose up and onto the surface.
3. As both their front paws land on the surface, gently mark (with a “yes!” or "good") and reward with a treat.
4. Keep it short and sweet – just a few seconds at first is perfect.
5. Add the cue when they are confident placing their paws up! We use "Double", but my clients use "Step" or "Paws Up" – what will you use?

“Paws Up” is a lovely opportunity to slow down, focus together, and celebrate your dog’s curiosity and courage. Take your time, have fun, and enjoy those small but mighty moments of progress.

26/06/2025

This isn’t just a chat — it’s a heartfelt conversation about connection, community, and the amazing relationships we’ve built with other kind, force-free trainers and inspiring organisations across social media.

Let’s talk about the value of working with one another, not in competition — lifting each other up, sharing knowledge, and staying grounded in kindness and compassion.

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26/06/2025

Creating Calm with “Middle” – A Safe, Focused Space 🧘‍♀️🐾

We’re into Day 3 of our Week of Fun, and today’s tip is a gem for creating calm and connection in busy moments – it’s the Middle position!

This simple yet powerful cue teaches your dog to stand or sit between your legs – like a cosy, safe zone they can return to when the world feels a little much. You can start to teach this as early as 4 months old, as the little pup in today’s video shows so beautifully.

🌟 Why I love it:
🚦 Perfect for road crossings, giving your dog a clear, calm place to be.
💬 Ideal when you're chatting with someone – your dog has something purposeful to do.
🧠 Supports emotional regulation, helping your dog feel safe and secure in all sorts of environments – it can even be a brilliant finish to a recall!

This video highlights how training can be both joyful and practical – for both human and dog. It’s a quiet moment of calm in the middle of life’s hustle, and a place where your dog can feel confident and close to you.

✨ Do you use Middle?
Share below if you do and what benefits you’ve seen – let’s spread the word about this brilliant way to have fun and build emotional resilience together.

24/06/2025

The last week of June is here – and we’re nearly halfway through 2025!
It’s been such a brilliant year so far, filled with stories, learning, and so many heartwarming moments that reflect my core values: Connection, Patience, and Fun.

To celebrate all the joy we’ve shared — and to close this month of fun in style — I thought, why not end June with a Week of Fun?

✨ Starting today, I’ll be sharing a new video each day featuring fun, force-free training ideas you can enjoy with your dog. Each one is designed to be simple, joyful, and deeply enriching.

My goal this week? To add a sprinkle of patience, a dash of connection, and a whole lot of fun as we build brilliant foundation skills your dog will love to learn — and you’ll love to teach!

🎥 Keep an eye out later today for the first reel — we’re kicking things off with a favourite!

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Opening Hours

Monday	08:30 - 17:00
Tuesday	08:30 - 20:00
Wednesday	08:00 - 17:30
Thursday	08:30 - 17:30
Friday	08:30 - 13:00

Website

http://barkshiredogtraining.com/, https://www.facebook.com/groups/barkshirewoodlandwalks

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